RANCHO CUCAMONGA- Several business owners in an industrial area of the city have had back flow valves stolen over the few weeks.

The businesses in the 9800 block of Sixth Street have been hit seven times since mid-May, said Richard Shyer, owner of AbleTronics at 9860 Sixth. Shyer’s store sells electronic parts and equipment.

“Last week they (thieves) got seven of these,” he said.

Shyer’s business was hit Sunday night, he said.

Another business in the same industrial area was also hit the same night, he said.

“These guys have a lot of guts,” Shyer said. “It’s right in the front. A sheriff’s car could be driving at any time. But I guess they know how to do it quickly.”

San Bernardino County Sheriff’s detective Thomas Noriega works robberies in Rancho Cucamonga. He confirmed that there have been a few thefts of the valves on Sixth as well as in another area.

Two businesses had their valves stolen on May 23, Noriega said. That same night, a business on Tacoma Drive and another on White Oak Avenue also had their valves stolen, he said.

Thefts of metal parts were common in cities a few years ago, then the crimes leveled off, Noriega said.

Sheriff’s have not made any arrests in the thefts so far. They have a lead they are following, but they are not releasing that information to the public.

Deputies are conducting extra patrols the areas affected by the thefts.

Noriega suggests businesses have a cage put over their back flow valves which are often affixed to the front of a business.

Some businesses have also added surveillance cameras as part of their anti-theft efforts, he said.

Anyone with information on these thefts is asked to call the Rancho Cucamonga Sheriff’s Department at 909-477-2800. Crimes can also be reported anonymously by calling the WeTip hotline at 800-78-CRIME.